Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions from patients of North Ryde Dentistry.
What is a Crown / Dental Crown?
Crowns are used in the restoration of damaged teeth. A crown covers a tooth and mimics the shape, size and colour of the surrounding teeth. Crowns strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure and can change the appearance of the tooth. Crowns are indicated for cracked teeth and teeth with deep cavities; to protect teeth that have been filled by root-canal treatment; to provide extra support for bridges; and to cover poorly shaped or coloured teeth.
Crowns may be made of metal, porcelain, or newer restorative materials. They are custom-made and fitted for each patient in conformation with the patient’s bite, and the size and length of the natural teeth. How long a crown lasts depends on the material, your bite and how well the tooth and gums are looked after; your dentist can advise.
When should my child first visit the dentist?
The first official trip to the dentist is due when your child is aged about two. However, when you go to the dentist for your regular check-ups, it may be a good idea to take your child with you so they can become familiar with the surroundings. It may not be wise to do this if you are nervous at the dentist yourself, as your child will pick up on your nervousness.
When the ‘big day’ comes, make it an exciting event for your child. Take along their favourite toys to play with while they’re waiting. When it’s time to take a ride in the dentist’s special chair, your child may be a little curious to see what’s going on. If so, you may want to give them a mirror to hold so they can see what the dentist is doing.
If you leave a child’s first dentist visit until they have pain or there is a problem, they will be left with a negative impression of the experience, which they will remember next time they visit the dentist. You may need to put on a brave front for your child!
What is Bridgework?
If you are missing one or more teeth then a bridge may be an option for replacement. Fabricated from porcelain and an underlying metal sub-structure, a bridge utilises the adjacent teeth to secure prosthetic teeth in the space of the missing teeth.
During a careful preparation process, your teeth on either side of the space will be adjusted and reshaped to accommodate the supporting crowns that will hold your replacement tooth in place. Impressions will be taken, along with study models and appropriate measurements.
Once your crown has been fabricated, we will ask you to return for a fitting. If no adjustments are required, we will then cement this for you. Bridges are one option for replacing missing teeth, with their appearance, function and limitations assessed for the individual case.
What is an Implant?
A dental implant is a titanium post placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Over several months it bonds with the bone (osseointegration), and a crown, bridge or denture is then attached to it. Implants can replace one tooth, several teeth or a full arch.
Implant treatment involves surgery and is not suitable for everyone — for example, you may need enough healthy bone, and smoking and some medical conditions increase the risk of failure. Implants need ongoing care and regular check-ups. Alternatives include bridges, dentures or leaving the gap. See dental implants.
What are veneers?
Dental veneers are custom-designed shells of tooth-like ceramic material that, when applied over the surface of a tooth, can cover worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment, or spacing and chips or cracks.
Veneers are a cosmetic treatment. They usually require removal of a thin layer of enamel, which cannot be reversed, and they can chip or come off and will need replacing in time. In some cases a veneer may be an alternative to a crown. A dental examination is required first to confirm the treatment is suitable for you — read the risks and considerations.
Will I get a tooth-coloured filling?
Yes — we use tooth-coloured composite materials for fillings. If you have older metal (amalgam) fillings, your dentist can check them at your check-up; replacing a sound amalgam filling is not usually necessary, but it can be replaced if it has failed or you prefer a tooth-coloured material.
What is CEREC?
CEREC is a computer restoration system that allows us to provide you with accurate and natural looking ceramic dental crowns, in a single visit. The CEREC digital 3D infrared scanning system allows us to create an optical impression of your tooth. This cutting-edge technology allows for a precise replica of your tooth structure to be created. At North Ryde Dentistry, we understand your time is valuable so this sophisticated technology enables us to provide ceramic restorative solutions without awkward impressions, temporary fillings and multiple appointments.
During the procedure, your tooth will be prepared, and then scanned by the CEREC camera. This camera will take a three dimensional image of the prepared area using infrared waves which are sent down to the preparation site and back to the camera to measure the heights of the tooth structure, adjacent teeth, and surrounding tissue. Your final restoration is then designed and fabricated from this scan and is automatically milled out from a solid ceramic block. This allows many crowns to be made and fitted in one appointment.
A CEREC restoration usually avoids traditional impressions and a temporary crown. This method can be used for ceramic crowns, veneers and fillings and will restore your smile.
The benefits are numerous:
- No uncomfortable impression trays
- Suitable for fillings, crowns and veneers
CEREC restorations are made at North Ryde Dentistry. Your dentist will tell you whether CEREC is suitable for your tooth.
Do you offer happy gas (nitrous oxide)?
Yes. Nitrous oxide (happy gas) is breathed in through a nose mask and can help some people feel more relaxed during treatment. You stay awake, and the effects wear off within minutes. It isn’t suitable for everyone — ask your dentist. There is a fee; ask us for it when booking. More on our happy gas page.
What does a regular scale and clean appointment involve?
At North Ryde Dentistry, we believe that prevention is better than cure. This is why we recommend that our patients visit every 6 months for a dental check-up. Regular examination of your teeth at these visits allows us to ensure that minor dental problems are noticed and treated before they become more serious. Professional cleaning during these regular visits, as well as thorough care at home helps keep your teeth and gums healthy.
At your scale and clean appointment, our dentist will ask you if you have any concerns about your dental health. They will then examine your whole mouth, including your teeth, gums, jaw and surrounding anatomy. If our dentist notices anything of interest, a record of this will be made immediately in your personalised file, and your options will be thoroughly discussed with you. If necessary, our dentist may also advise you to have an x-ray taken during your visit, as this may reveal information about areas which are not visible to the eye (e.g. a cavity under an old filling).
Our dentist will then use instruments to remove surface stains, tartar and plaque that have built up on your teeth since your last visit. Regular scale and cleans are important for maintaining healthy gums. Our dentist will then apply topical fluoride treatment, which helps to strengthen the tooth surface and minimise the risk of developing cavities.